According to a new study, bisexual women are more likely than heterosexual women to be raped during their college years. The research published in the journal Violence and Gender shows that nearly 2 in every 5 bisexual female college students will be sexually assaulted by the time they complete four years in school. That’s more than the 1 in 4 heterosexual women, and the 1 in 4 gay and bisexual men who are likely to experience the same.

A different study also shows that bisexual women are more likely to be depressed and consider suicide than straight women. In that study, the authors reported that societal pressures and silencing of the bisexual identity could contribute to that. The researchers concluded that it’s important to recognize all identities so one population isn’t silenced.

That could be the case here, too. Violence and Gender editor-in-chief Mary Ellen O'Toole, PhD, forensic behavioral consultant and senior FBI profiler/criminal investigative analyst said in a statement that different pressures related to being bisexual could mean underreporting of sexual assault even worse than what we see in the general population.

"To really understand the breadth and depth of this problem, it is critical to understand the victimology of sexual assault, and that it includes all students, not just heterosexual females," Dr. Mary Ellen said. "As difficult as it can be for any college student to come forward following a sexual assault because they are afraid, intimidated, or ashamed, it can be even more so for bisexual females and gay and bisexual males who are at risk for this crime at similar rates as heterosexual females, according to this important study. We have to do so much more for all students to encourage them to come forward and report what happened - no matter what their gender or sexual orientation."

Part of what we have to do to support survivors is education. It’s so important to know that if you are sexually assaulted, you have options. It’s your choice on what you do after sexual assault, and whatever option you choose is perfectly fine because it has to be what’s right for you, and you alone.